This blog was updated on 12/09/2024
We sympathise with anyone experiencing difficulty in trying to decipher which of the types of windows produced are right for them and their home.
There are varying qualities and strong points across the legion of replacement window styles, but they have commonality in how they all succeed in magnifying energy efficiency, aesthetics, and functionality.
Wherever you are or whatever home you reside in, knowledge of each window type and their individual conveniences will make the selection process that much easier.
Casement windows suit just about any house type and are either hinged at the top, bottom, or sides, underscoring their premier versatility. It’s no wonder they’ve been so popular for so long, supplemented by how they can also nurture ventilation.
Customarily nominated for traditional dwellings, sliding sash windows include a mechanism that sees the sashes slide vertically. An undisputed classic, they help sustain the enchantment of long-established homes and provide enduring practicality.
Tilt and turn windows are habitually specified for contemporary homes. Using the handle affixed to their design, you can achieve a vertical tilt and full inward opening, displaying the ingenuity of this unique style.
The slight arc of a bay and bow window and its forward projection makes it effortlessly identifiable from competing styles. You’ll find yourself engaged by the thought-provoking window arrangement and just as transfixed by how much natural light it propels into your living space.
19th century flush sash timber windows are the inspiration behind the development of heritage windows, traditionally fashioned and with contemporary efficiency. Entrust them to inject some classical distinction into a present-time property or restore charm into a period abode, uplifting property value in both instances.
Flush casement windows have compatibility with new and traditional residences and are renowned for having a sleek, flat finish, whilst Georgian windows possess grid-style panes that are in harmony with abundant architectural styles.
Popular types of Windows for Homes
Window selection needs to consider aspects like functionalism and what appearance is in keeping with your property’s existing fabric. To uncomplicate the process of choosing between the countless windows available for residences, let’s go into the attributes and conveniences of each of the principal replacement window designs there are in the today.
Sliding Sash Windows
Sliding sash windows, also referred to just as sash windows, are as classic as windows come and operable via a resourceful vertical sliding mechanism.
A frequently selected style for classical residences and period homes, they contain one or more movable panels that you can slide up and down at your behest. Such a design feature is helpful in managing the level of air flow that comes in.
Advances in sliding sash window innovations have seen giant strides made in elevating energy efficiency and simplifying maintenance, enticing facets if you’re wanting windows that make life easy and will uphold traditional character.
Casement Windows
Casement windows have been a long-time favourite of UK homeowners, practical and versatile all rolled into one. A side-hinged offering, this allows them to outwardly swing open when ventilation is coveted, capturing abundant cool external air and luring it internally.
Corresponding to virtually any architectural styling, casement windows are a great match for contemporary residences thanks to their simple usage and top-rate thermal performance.
Kitchen, living room, and bedroom locations befit a casement window installation as they’ll amplify views and catch profuse natural light.
Tilt & Turn Windows
One major attraction of tilt and turn windows is the dual-opening that you can enjoy with their designs. For a small opening at the top, you just need to carry out a vertical tilt of the handle, ensuring that ventilation doesn’t mean compromising security.
On the other hand, there’s the capacity to open the window fully inwards too, which makes cleaning it from the indoors the easiest of chores.
From the point of convenience and practicality, tilt and turn windows are every homeowner’s dream and exhibit modern beauty.
Traditional and Modern Window Styles
There’s a steep contrast between traditional and modern window styles, both delivering a polarising aesthetic and differing functionality. Sliding sash windows and bay and bow windows are the types of windows that fall into the traditional category and are relied on for preserving the timeless wonder of vintage properties, such applications often featuring a wood-effect finish. Modern designs commonly include casement windows and tilt and turn windows, notoriously clean-lined, energy efficient and practical.
Heritage Windows
Heritage windows are much modelled on the flush sash timber windows of the 19th century and therefore match nicely with period properties and historical older residences.
Although they have a very classic look, heritage windows manage to satisfy contemporary performance in the fields of thermal efficiency and security, keeping you warm and safe.
The mix of classic and modern ensures you have windows that preserve the elegance of the home you know and love and instil it with superior technology.
Bay & Bow Windows
Out of the countless window styles offered, bay & bow windows have arguably the most distinctive aesthetic, protruding outwards from a house. This design quirk adds extra space and light to a room, somewhere ideal for reading spaces and watching the world around you.
The very gentle curvature of the window ushers a wealth of finesse, just what you want at a long-standing home to preserve its traditional look whilst upgrading its living benefits.
Different Window Styles for Unique Needs
Your rationale behind the style of windows for a house will encompass what your architectural and functional needs are and the effect you want them to have on your interior.
Assess the catalogue of styles in our product range to identify one that matches all or at least most of your preferences and promises to transform your house for the better.
Skylight and Roof Windows
Skylights and roof windows get integrated into ceilings in rooms devoid of enough natural light due to the absence of wall windows, areas like lofts and attics.
Openings of this kind funnel maximum light indoors to bring illumination and vibrancy to previously darkened spaces.
The trick of the light, fostered by the addition of a skylight or roof window, manages to instil a more spacious feel, and they also offer a point of architectural interest.
Cottage Windows
Admiration of cottage windows is largely down to their quintessential British charm, identifiable for having assorted small glass panes inside a single window frame.
They are one of the few types of windows that successfully harmonise with homes situated in rural and countryside areas, uplifting their snug and lovable allure.
Cottage windows boast amazing personality and have many options for configuration, adjustable in size and shape, highlighting their versatility for sustaining a home’s original character.
Types of Window Frames
You cannot underestimate the impact your choice of window material will have on your new window frames. It will govern their appearance, future upkeep, and all-round performance. There are pros and cons to the material options and once you are aware of them, it will make apparent which to select for the style of the house you own.
Timber Frames
Timber frames have ageless appeal and long-established elegance, with exceptional insulating qualities. You can customise them in a simple manner and choose to either paint or stain the timber to coordinate with various types of properties.
Nevertheless, timber is hard to keep on top in terms of maintenance to resist problems such as rotting and warping, and generally costs more to buy.
TWC has one of the widest collections of different window styles and accessories you can find, as well as experts who will put you on the pathway to the most perfect designs. An appointment will be a good time to chat things through and make the relevant arrangements.
Aluminium Frames
Of the types of window frame around, aluminium is up there as the strongest of them, yet it can be fashioned to create an ultra-slim profile, making for an enlarged glass area to augment views. Aluminium is also easily looked after in comparison to traditional wooden windows.
The thermal efficiency of aluminium isn’t quite on a par with some of the alternate materials used in window construction and it can necessitate thermal breaks to accomplish first-class insulation.
Sleek aesthetics are synonymous with aluminium, very befitting of contemporary residences, more so than classically-built properties.
uPVC Frames
uPVC (unplasticised polyvinyl chloride) window frames have been a staple presence in the UK replacement window market since the 1980’s and have massively progressed during the intervening years.
A present-day UPVC window promises extreme durability and security, minimal maintenance, and top-notch thermal efficiency. It also has the ability to resist rotting, rusting, and corrosion, offering a protracted life cycle compared to the UPVC designs of yesteryear.
There are few drawbacks to UPVC, but two notable disadvantages for some would be the lesser strength of the material and untempting appearance versus timber or aluminium frames.
